Scaffold protein SH3BP2 signalosome is pivotal for immune activation in nephrotic syndrome

Emerging Role of SH3BP2 as Regulator of Immune and Nonimmune Cells in Nephrotic Syndrome

Background

Minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are major forms of nephrotic syndrome that remain difficult to treat. MCD and FSGS have distinct but also overlapping clinical, histological, metabolic, and molecular features. Effective use of immunosuppressive drugs, activated immune cells, altered cytokine profiles, and upregulated signaling pathways suggest a link between immune dysfunction and nephrotic syndrome, but the exact mechanism of immunopathogenesis is unclear. Immune dysfunction is an area of ongoing research for identifying novel molecular targets for treating nephrotic syndrome. However, the available animal models do not directly address the role of immune dysfunction in nephrotic syndrome.

Summary

Genetic analysis indicates that heterogeneous genes related to the podocyte-specific proteins may indirectly cause damage to filtration barrier and influence the onset and progression of nephrotic syndrome. SH3BP2 protein regulates several pathways through its role as a scaffold for many signaling mediators and enzymes. SH3BP2 is expressed in immune as well as in nonimmune cells including podocytes. The role of SH3BP2 is discussed in the context of cells and molecules of adaptive and innate immune systems. Available information on the importance of SH3BP2 in diseases other than nephrotic syndrome and its role in the immunopathogenesis of human nephrotic syndrome are summarized. We outline the key features of a transgenic mouse strain with a gain-in-function mutation (Sh3bp2 KI/KI ) as a potential model to study immunopathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome.

Key Messages

Non-receptor, non-catalytic proteins such as SH3BP2 are a novel group of proteins that regulate the innate and adaptive immune responses in nephrotic syndrome. New evidence suggests a critical role of SH3BP2 in immunopathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome. Our recent results demonstrate that transgenic mice (Sh3bp2 KI/KI ) with a gain-in-function mutation will likely be a unique model to study immunopathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome.

Understanding the podocyte immune responses in proteinuric kidney diseases: from pathogenesis to therapy

The glomerular filtration barrier, comprising the inner layer of capillary fenestrated endothelial cells, outermost podocytes, and the glomerular basement membrane between them, plays a pivotal role in kidney function. Podocytes, terminally differentiated epithelial cells, are challenging to regenerate once injured. They are essential for maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Damage to podocytes, resulting from intrinsic or extrinsic factors, leads to proteinuria in the early stages and eventually progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Immune-mediated podocyte injury is a primary pathogenic mechanism in proteinuric glomerular diseases, including minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and lupus nephritis with podocyte involvement. An extensive body of evidence indicates that podocytes not only contribute significantly to the maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier and serve as targets of immune responses but also exhibit immune cell-like characteristics, participating in both innate and adaptive immunity. They play a pivotal role in mediating glomerular injury and represent potential therapeutic targets for CKD. This review aims to systematically elucidate the mechanisms of podocyte immune injury in various podocyte lesions and provide an overview of recent advances in podocyte immunotherapy. It offers valuable insights for a deeper understanding of the role of podocytes in proteinuric glomerular diseases, and the identification of new therapeutic targets, and has significant implications for the future clinical diagnosis and treatment of podocyte-related disorders.